By Dr. Robert Renteria | FreedomTalk Magazine, August, 2026 pages 8–9 
Let me share my perspective—and the viewpoints of many others—on why we Republicans are not resonating with the general public or with people of different ethnicities. This is a major reason we are losing political races year after year. I have lived in Illinois for more than 35 years. The Republican Party here, as well as in several other states, has a terrible brand. We must recognize what caused this self-inflicted wound and determine what it will take to heal it.
I have a saying: “IF WE BREAK BREAD, WE GO RED!” First, we must stop saying we are the party of and for the people when some perceive us as the party of and for white people. Yes, I said it— and as painful as it sounds, we have a once-in-alifetime opportunity to turn things around. Illinois and other states are looking for real leaders who do more than talk the talk—leaders who walk the walk and lead. The Republican Party is not sufficiently missional or relational.
Too many Republicans remain inside their own sandbox, which has become a comfortable but shortsighted place for some in the party. Over the past three years, I have taken a close and personal look at our lack of genuine, reciprocal relationships with minority communities.
Here in Illinois, Republican candidates and officeholders often repeat a stale script: “I am a Christian conservative, married with children, and I own my own business. I am going to save Illinois and fight for you. Can I count on your vote—and can you donate to my campaign?” The answer is no. I have never seen you. I don’t know you. My family doesn’t know you, and nobody in my community has seen you before. We must water the flowers, or our party will wilt and die. We are not nurturing relationships with voters in our communities.
No holding hands, no flowers, no candy, no dinners or movies—so why would anyone want to vote for us? We must move from making promises about what we will do on day one to doing the work and serving our communities now—win, lose or draw. The Republican Party must take the necessary steps to embrace and become woven into the wonderful fabric of Hispanic and Black American communities. We are hardworking people; we love our children and families, pay taxes and adore our God immensely. Many are more conservative than some self-proclaimed Republican purists. Republicans must do more than say we love tacos and margaritas.
That is tacky and tasteless. If we are truly Christian conservatives, we must take a chapter from the Good Book, follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and love all God’s people.
We must look in the mirror and be honest. The time has come to accept that we are often perceived not as an inclusive party, but as an exclusive one. It is time to turn the page and begin a new chapter—to learn how to love one another. We can no longer be only the party of country-club or champagne Republicans. We must become a Republican Party of all the people. We must come together regardless of age, race, religion or economic background—as members of one human race and one nation under God.
The Republican Party will not win more local or statewide races in Illinois and many other states if we do not wake up and recognize that we are now the minority in many political districts. We must invest in relationships and become genuinely involved in our communities. We must be authentic, sincere, compassionate and caring. Unfortunately, the Republican Party’s reputation among many residents is that we are snobbish, disingenuous and even tolerant of bigots and racists. Those are not simply my words; they are opinions I have heard from residents across the state and country.
Countless people have told me that Republicans care only about money, votes and being seen. I know Republicans who walk in parade after parade, year after year. That is not necessarily building relationships. Too often, it is merely being seen, and taking selfies for social media. When I asked Republican leaders why there are not more minorities in the party, one answer I received was, “We don’t travel in the same social circles.”
That is precisely the problem. If you are a Republican tired of losing political races, I invite you to have an open and honest conversation with me. Let’s sit down and break bread together. Let’s discuss how we can change the narrative surrounding the Republican Party by building community, developing relationships, being transparent, loving our neighbors and living as disciples of Christ. I am a servant leader, not a professional politician. I care about people over politics. The public increasingly views politics like dirty diapers: both sides are full of something unpleasant. People believe politicians are disingenuous and dishonest.
I challenge those who truly want to unite people and build a Republican Party that is genuinely of and for the people to reach out to me. Some readers may find this conversation difficult to swallow, but it is time to address the elephant in the room. For far too many years, the Republican Party has buried its head in the sand and ignored this issue. It is time to lift our heads, face the truth and begin building relationships with all the people we hope to represent.
